Chapter 22: Dugu Yan — Who Do You Think You Are?
Below the dueling platform—
"Dugu Feng, don't get cocky! We haven't mastered sword flight yet. Once we do, we'll challenge you again!"
Feng Ling blocked his path, still bristling with frustration.
He'd run his mouth before the fight, promising victory even with two against one. Now, beaten, he couldn't walk away quietly without at least saving face.
"Heh… next time, I won't hold back," Dugu Feng said coldly. A clear warning—if they wanted more, he'd gladly give them reason to regret it.
"Hmph! We won't lose again!" chimed Feng Li. His tone was as if sheer stubbornness might rewrite reality.
The brothers were convinced that with time, their sword arrays would outstrip Dugu Feng. Painful lessons meant nothing to youthful arrogance.
After all, it was lunchtime, and the duel had become the talk of the day.
Teacher Ge Ying led Dugu Feng and the group toward the academy's dining hall.
The food was lavish—a buffet filled with tonic soul beast meats and rich broths whose fragrance filled the air.
Dugu Feng couldn't help but marvel at the resources Heaven Dou invested into its future elites. The empire might lack strong rulers, but its generosity kept the academies thriving; freedom, not discipline, was its flaw.
Heaven Dou's system was one of shared dominion—royal throne and major families co-ruling the land.
Emperor Xue Ye was chairman; the Ge family, Dugu family, Wind Sword Sect, and Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan each held influence like shareholders.
Without their protection, the emperor couldn't even secure his reign.
Star Luo Empire, however, was another story. Ruthless, centralized—its royal family held true power.
Rumor said the royal Dai line possessed its own Titled Douluo. Beneath them, the White Tiger Clan, another "Dai" lineage, served as a bridge between blood and sect.
The great Zhu clan, who married royal heirs for generations, anchored the empire's soul master world.
Together, they formed one iron circle around the throne—a force tightly woven and mercilessly strict.
In comparison, Dugu Feng much preferred Heaven Dou's looser harmony—where families could develop freely under shared rule rather than total domination.
Lost momentarily in thought, he suddenly felt eyes upon him.
Turning, he found two familiar figures—girls he'd met only once before.
One, slim and modestly framed, dressed in black with her face veiled by lace. Even unseen, he recognized her instantly: Ye Lingling.
The other, strikingly beautiful in contrast—short violet hair, sharp green eyes, even her fingernails gleamed emerald.
Such a distinctive presence was unmistakable: Dugu Yan.
They were older than Ning Rongrong by several years, their forms more mature and graceful, standing together like twin lotuses—radiant and commanding attention.
Every gaze in the dining hall turned toward them.
Both girls were staring straight at him.
When Dugu Feng met their eyes, Dugu Yan's expression hardened.
She walked over, her voice cutting through the silence.
"Causing trouble your first day—who do you think you are? You've angered the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Even if your father begged on his knees, Grandfather wouldn't defend you!"
The hall fell silent.
Teacher Ge Ying winced. He'd recognized her immediately—the famed Dugu Yan. At first, he'd assumed she was approaching her young cousin to greet him.
Instead, she delivered a verbal strike.
Dugu Feng's luck was rotten today. He'd already clashed with the school's little tyrant, Ning Rongrong—and now even the soon-to-graduate star of the academy despised him.
Ge Ying knew well that Dugu Yan intimidated ordinary students, yet never lacked admirers.
Many heirs of powerful houses were vying for her favor—most prominently, Yu Tianheng of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
And why not? Win her heart, win the protection of her grandfather, the Titled Douluo Poison Douluo himself.
Ye Lingling looked at her friend in surprise. She hadn't realized Dugu Yan had come here to confront him. Guilt flickered in her eyes—her own grandfather had told her to look after him.
Now, Dugu Yan's public scolding had drawn every eye in the cafeteria.
Ye Lingling frowned, discomfort rising from the unwanted attention.
She reached for her friend's arm, subtly urging her to stop.
Dugu Feng was stunned. What's wrong with this woman?
He'd only fought once—Ning Rongrong had provoked him first.
And how was this her business anyway? For all the Dugu blood ties, she certainly didn't act like family.
But regardless of irritation, he knew better than to provoke her further. His father was the kind to feud endlessly, and his uncle—Dugu Bo—was infamous for his lack of reasoning.
He forced a calm smile. Fine, Dugu Yan. One day, you'll kneel and sing for mercy.
"Cousin," he said mildly, "I know you mean well, but I'm old enough to handle myself. The Seven Treasure Clan won't fuss over such matters. You should focus on your training—or romance, perhaps. Our class affairs are fine."
He smiled toward Ye Lingling politely. "Good to see you again, Senior Sister Ye. Don't go—join us for a meal."
A harmless tone, simple words—but calculated. Speaking openly in a crowd forced civility. He could play the part of considerate junior perfectly.
Dugu Yan's mouth hung open. "Cousin? You arrogant brat!"
Ye Lingling nearly choked. For the record, Grandpa told him to call Grandfather "uncle"—that technically makes him senior by one generation, she thought, but wisely kept quiet.
"We're not eating here," she said quickly, pulling Dugu Yan away.
Still fuming, Dugu Yan allowed herself to be led toward the upper floor.
But as she stepped away, she caught Ye Lingling's steady gaze and restrained herself—her friend clearly didn't want a public spectacle.
Grinding her teeth, she shot one last glare at Dugu Feng, then stormed upstairs to a private dining room.
Dropping her tray onto the table with a thud, Dugu Yan scowled. "Lingling, you know we're not related. I've only seen him twice. Who said I care about him? I just hate how his branch flaunts Grandfather's name."
Her resentment poured out unchecked. "If not for Grandfather, how would his father—a mere Soul Sage—maintain their influence? Without Grandfather, do you think that boy could swagger around the academy and provoke Ning Rongrong?"
Her dislike ran deep—clearly more than mere family tension.
Ye Lingling sighed softly. She loved Dugu Yan like a sister, but knew her thoughts well. Dugu Yan's disdain for Dugu Shuo's line had always lingered—but hatred? That was new.
"Forget him, Yan," she said gently. "Actually, what he said wasn't wrong—Yu Tianheng's been chasing you again. Are you planning to accept him?"
The change of topic worked instantly.
Dugu Yan's expression softened. "Yu Tianheng's just a pretentious child pretending to be grown. My father's been gone for two years, and Grandfather's all alone now. I have to stay with him… There's no time for romance."
Her voice dimmed, sorrow flickering beneath pride. The loss had matured her early—a heart guarded far too young.
(END CHAPTER)
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